| Abstract [eng] |
A vast number of scientific studies has already been carried out about the novel coronavirus, yet most of the studies date back to pre-omicron period. The current evidence is unequivocally suggesting a mild disease course and excellent prognosis among the pediatric population. Despite high contagiousness, the currently dominant omicron variant is evidently causing milder symptoms than earlier variants of concern. Therefore, assessment of currently available prophylactic measures against coronavirus disease 2019 among pediatric population with their advantages and disadvantages according to the most recent evidence-based studies was carried out. Omicron’s rapid replication and oftentimes asymptomatic course has made early identification challenging, which is exacerbated by prioritization of risk groups in limited testing facilities. Prolonged social distancing with remote school policies looks to have serious adverse effects on physical and mental health and should not be applied during omicron-predominance. Hand hygiene is a cost-effective method to fight against wide range of microbes but its isolated effect against coronavirus disease 2019 is less clear. Face masks suitable for children give weak protection against infection, thus the role is limited to prevent transmission, making them suboptimal given the side effects and dubious adherence in younger children. Effectiveness of vaccines against infection with omicron variant is weak but similarly to infection, they stimulate long-lasting cellular immunity that gives robust protection against severe form of the disease. However, the studies are showing increased post-vaccination risk of myocarditis in male adolescents, particularly after the second dose. While risks of complications from infection appear more serious than potential side effects of vaccinations in non-immune children, individualized pediatric vaccination schedules addressing child’s sex, immune status, and presence of comorbidities are required. Owing to increasing prevalence of cellular immunity in Western countries, future prophylaxis in childhood should be centered around vaccinations at this stage of the pandemic. |
